Letters to the Editor - Nov. 9, 2012

Friday

Nov 9, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Riding the cart

To the editor: First and foremost I want to thank everyone who supported me with their vote on Nov. 6. I truly appreciate your consideration and trust. While I was not reelected, I’m satisfied that I stuck to my principles and did what I thought was in the best interests of the people I served.

Tuesday’s election results signaled to me that we have reached a point in our nation’s existence where most people fundamentally believe they cannot survive and prosper without government and government assistance and programs. I’m not talking about functions such as the military, public safety, road infrastructure, etc. I’m referring to long term public assistance (food, housing, cell phones, cars, etc.), small business loans, higher education grants and subsidized student loans and on and on and on.

Along with unfathomable nation debt, we also have tens of trillions of dollars of unfunded liabilities in Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare in addition to public employee retirement systems that are on an unsustainable path. To think all we need to do is simply tax the rich more or just ignore these realities and our problems will be solved has lead us over the edge. To be clear we’ve been on this path for the past twelve years and the responsibility for this insanity is spread across political party and ideological boundaries. This is precisely what makes these problems more troubling because no matter who we elect, there’s a special interest group waiting to corrupt our elected leaders into doing their will.

For a long time I’ve believed we had the capability to do better. I thought all it took was the political will to make changes that would lead to a more accountable and efficient government. Instead, along with you, I’ve witnessed a system and a process that’s been in steady decline for a long time. Campaigns have become polarizing, poisonous and so personal they do little to help voters determine who’s the best person to address the issues most concerning to them.

I hope and pray our country has not slipped into the abyss, but when the people riding in the cart out number the people pulling the cart, something’s wrong!

Fred Leonard

Rochester

‘Primary’ view

To the editor: As a first and second grade teacher, I spend a great deal of time and energy teaching my students how to civilly disagree with one another and respect each others’ opinions; not to brag or boast if a situation turns out favorable for them, and simultaneously, not to be a poor sport if things don’t turn out the way that they had been wishing for. I tell them this is important, because in the end, they will still need to work together to make progress and move forward. I tell them that understanding difference of opinion will make them smarter and better people. I teach this, because as cultivated human beings, these are the notions we claim to value. I teach this, because I am supposed to. I teach this, because I truly believe it. Most importantly, I teach this, because in the history of humanity, when this has been the mindset of the majority of a population, true and lasting change has resulted.

So, as a first and second grade teacher who spends a great deal of time focusing on instilling these moral values in our country’s future generations, it is extremely disheartening to have seen and heard many various platforms infiltrated with ignorant comments surrounding this election. Ignorant comments made by people who have already “learned” the things that I am teaching my students.

As a first and second grade teacher, I am seizing this opportunity as a “teachable moment,” so here it goes: no matter who you voted for, or how you feel about who our president is, take a moment to ground yourself and acknowledge the fact that you are not allied with the presidential candidate you voted for. You will probably never work alongside that person for one day, one hour, even for one minute in the duration of your lifetime. You will, however, work alongside the people you are gloating to, the people you are pouting to, the people who your rash, mindless comments are further distancing you from.

If we want this country to be a better place for us, our children and our children’s children, we can’t continue to model selfish, unproductive behaviors and modes of expressing ourselves and expect that each new generation will magically foster the ability to be diplomatic and respectful enough in their interactions to unify and work toward a common goal.

I am aware that I am reiterating what many already know and practice, but hopefully this letter motivates some people, even just one person, to reflect on the way in which they’ve expressed their opinion — and even better, make a concerted effort to improve upon the way in which they express themselves in the future. The further we separate from each other, the further we separate from actualizing the ideas that drive the strength of our opinions in the first place.

Jennifer Wysocki

Portsmouth

God help us

To the editor: As much as I am happy to be through with this election, and as happy as I am to not be getting all the calls and garbage mail supporting the candidates, I lament the loss of my freedom.

I had high hopes that the many wrongs of the current administration would be corrected. Now I can only be glad that this administration can only rule for four more years and no more. The decisions to cripple our economy by investing taxpayer money to support alternative energy and gifting health care to illegals and others and increases in welfare to those deemed unable to work and the bankrupting of my social security trust fund by distributing my contributions to people that have not contributed are just wrong and must be changed. It is clear that the states with the largest concentration of population are strongly in support of the current administration. They are also the areas with the largest segment of population collecting those monies. When you look at the map and recognize that the area that feeds the whole country voted for the conservative principles it should be a wake-up call to everyone. The sections of the country that elected the liberal administration are the sections that take from the system and contribute little. They take what the workers in America make and have no incentive to better their lives because there is no need. They have moved Forward with the president, forward on the backs of the working stiffs, forward on the backs of the retired community. God help us.

Gary Parker

Rochester

Bad, good

To the editor: Well now, there you go — the bad news and the good news.

The bad news is that President Obama won.

The good news is that we have him for only four more years.

Bruce C. Bacon

Rochester

Many thanks

To the editor: The Wentworth-Coolidge Commission would like to thank all of its sponsors and patrons for making possible one of its finest art exhibitions ever — Creative Encounters. It featured the work of former UNH professor Sigmund Abeles, who is deeply revered by students and colleagues alike. They turned out in force to the Summer Champagne Opening at the Coolidge Center, happy to talk once more with their mentor and friend. For many it was a joyous and tearful reunion.

Abeles’ remarkable realist paintings were complimented by the rarely seen creations of master sculptor Henry Clews, Jr. (1876-1937). It was Clews’ work that inspired a youthful Abeles to become an artist. Showing the two together for the first time was extraordinary. The work of this reclusive, expatriate American was available to us through a partnership with Portsmouth’s La Napoule Art Foundation. We thank LNAF for this opportunity.

To the editor: “We all scream … for ice cream.” Here at Families First Health & Support Center, we were chosen as the beneficiary of Lagos Ice Cream season-ending, free ice cream day, held this past Sunday, Oct. 7.

Two days later, Steven Grenier of Lago’s came to our offices and presented us with a check for $5,000, designated for pediatric care. The work of Steve and his Lago’s team, and the support of Chuck McLean of Timberline Signs of Rye, who donated promotional signage for Families First, are great examples of returning the rewards of a collective effort back into the community.

When the “screaming” was over, the smiles of heartfelt appreciation followed. We are humbled by the turnout and generosity of Lagos and its patrons who made donations to support our organization and its mission. Although another ice cream season has drawn to a close, the generosity shown by sponsors and patrons, alike, will last long after the final cone is served, consumed or melted.

Donata Luz

Families First Health & Support Center

Portsmouth

Next meeting

To the editor: The next meeting of the Association of Portsmouth Taxpayers will be Thursday, November 15, 7 p.m. in the Hilton Garden Inn meeting room of the Portsmouth Public Library. Please visit our website — http://www.portsmouthtaxpayers.org.